Suzhou numerals are an ancient Chinese counting system that blends the orderliness of Chinese square characters with the simplicity of symbols, while also embodying a unique sense of strength and beauty. This ancient script, presented in a calligraphic style and paired with porcelain—another Chinese-origin art form—unfolds an elegance imbued with strength, perfectly aligning with the serene yet powerful design philosophy of the "Journey" series.
In designing the dial, we faithfully preserved the beauty of Suzhou numerals from "one" to "ten." However, when it came to the 11 and 12 o’clock positions, we undertook careful deliberation and ultimately chose from three options:
- Combining existing Chinese numerals;
- Borrowing characters from the traditional Chinese numerical system;
- Creating entirely new characters.
Respecting the Beauty of Tradition
Chinese characters have evolved over thousands of years, carrying not only aesthetic value but also cultural meaning. Our design philosophy is rooted in respecting and preserving this tradition. Innovating in this context would contradict the fundamental spirit of the watch’s design.
The Minimalist Philosophy in Design
The 12 o’clock position is the most prominent on the dial. Placing two combined characters in this space would undermine the serene yet powerful essence of the "Journey" series. The simplicity of a single character is the best way to convey the core spirit of the design.
A Time Perspective That Prioritizes Aesthetics
In our dial design, we recognize that wearers often rely more on the positions of the markers, rather than the numerals, to read the time. Therefore, the significance of numeral markers in the design transcends their functional role as time indicators and instead serves as a vehicle for aesthetic and cultural expression. Based on this understanding, we chose "廿" (20) and "卅" (30) for the 11 and 12 o’clock positions. These characters not only follow a logical numerical progression but also exhibit a unique sense of power and beauty, perfectly harmonizing with the elegant porcelain dial.
At first glance, the dial appears calm and serene, but closer inspection reveals a striking vibrancy and beauty. This sense of awe and artistry is precisely the unique charm of Suzhou numerals—melding the elegance of porcelain with the grace of calligraphy, embodying power within serenity and elegance within simplicity.